In the ideal vision of a democracy, the media functions as the watchdog of society — questioning authority, exposing wrongs, informing the public, and safeguarding the truth. But in many small towns like Mokokchung, this vision is slowly being replaced by a disheartening reality: the watchdogs are turning into lapdogs.
Far too often, local media outlets and journalists today are found parroting the statements of those in power rather than interrogating them. Press conferences are reported uncritically. Speeches by officials are published word-for-word. Events are covered, but truths are left buried. Instead of digging deeper, many journalists have become mere event recorders or PR agents — not always because they want to, but because they are pushed into that corner.
There are many reasons behind this decline. Lack of resources, training, and editorial independence plague local newsrooms. Political and societal pressure weighs heavy, especially in tight-knit communities where challenging authority can mean alienation or even threats. Linguistic barriers and limited intellectual exposure on the part of the journalists further constrain meaningful reporting. But most troubling is the slow erosion of conviction, when journalists themselves begin to accept manipulation and abandon their role as truth-seekers.
In such an environment, the few journalists who do dare to pursue truth through ground-truthing often find themselves isolated, targeted, or silenced. Their courage is seen as dissent. Their commitment to journalistic integrity is perceived as arrogance or rebellion. They are pressured into submission or quietly edged out.
The result is a media landscape that no longer informs or educates, but merely echoes — a disservice not just to the profession, but to society itself. Because when journalism fails, democracy falters. The people lose their eyes and ears.
This is why communities, especially in small towns like Mokokchung, must recognize and support true journalism. Responsible citizens with resources and influence must invest in independent, local journalism. Journalists must also remember that their role is not to act as PR agents, but as truth-seekers committed to serving the people. Only then can the media reclaim its voice, and only then can the people be truly informed.
A society that treats journalists as messengers will get messages. A society that values truth will get journalism. The choice is ours.